Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 25 years as head of government on October 7, 2026, marking a significant milestone in his political career. His journey as the head of an elected government began on October 7, 2001, when he became the Chief Minister of Gujarat. After serving as Gujarat Chief Minister for more than 12 years, Modi became Prime Minister of India in 2014.
The milestone has been marked by political leaders, BJP workers and supporters across the country. Messages of congratulations have come from leaders in India as well as political figures from abroad. The celebrations have focused on Modi’s long tenure in public office, his political journey from Gujarat to New Delhi and the BJP’s description of his public life as a period of national service.
Start of the Political Journey
Narendra Modi assumed office as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001. He subsequently served three consecutive terms as Chief Minister before moving to national politics.
In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the BJP led National Democratic Alliance secured a majority and Modi became Prime Minister. He subsequently returned to office after the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The completion of 25 years as head of government therefore covers two distinct phases of his political career. The first was his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, while the second has been his tenure as Prime Minister.
According to All India Radio, the Union Cabinet passed a resolution congratulating Modi on completing 25 years as head of government. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described the period as an example of the strength and continuity of Indian democracy.
Leaders Congratulate Modi
Several BJP leaders and ministers have publicly marked the occasion.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at a Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha in Ghaziabad, said Modi viewed politics as a means of nation and society building rather than simply forming governments.
BJP president Nitin Nabin described Modi’s political journey as an important chapter for the party and highlighted the significance of the 2014 election campaign.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also participated in programmes marking the anniversary and described the occasion through the theme of 25 years, one person and one mission of national service.
Other BJP leaders also described the milestone as significant. Their statements largely focused on Modi’s long tenure, his political leadership and his emphasis on public service.
Political figures from outside the BJP and leaders abroad have also sent messages marking the anniversary. The government said several international leaders conveyed their greetings to Modi on completing 25 years as head of government.
Union Cabinet Resolution
The Union Cabinet’s resolution has added an official dimension to the anniversary celebrations.
The resolution recognised Modi’s political journey from Gujarat to the national level and highlighted various policy initiatives and government programmes associated with his tenure.
The resolution referred to initiatives involving financial inclusion, welfare delivery, infrastructure, technology, defence, manufacturing and scientific development. It also highlighted India’s international engagement and diplomatic initiatives during Modi’s tenure.
The Cabinet’s recognition reflects the government’s assessment of Modi’s 25 years in executive office. As with other political assessments, individual claims about achievements and their impact remain subject to political debate.
Seva Sankalp Abhiyan
The BJP has been observing the milestone through a month long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan.
The campaign runs from September 17 to October 17 and includes activities involving BJP workers and members of the public. Programmes have included public meetings, exhibitions, blood donation drives and other outreach activities.
The campaign was announced by BJP president Nitin Nabin as a nationwide programme to mark Modi’s 25 years in public life. The party has presented the initiative as an opportunity to highlight what it describes as Modi’s journey from public service to national service.
The campaign has also provided the BJP with an opportunity to communicate its assessment of the government’s record over the past 25 years.
From Gujarat to New Delhi
Modi’s political career at the head of government began in Gujarat before moving to the national stage.
During his years as Gujarat Chief Minister, his administration focused on areas including infrastructure, industrial development, investment and governance reforms. His supporters have frequently cited Gujarat’s economic and infrastructure development as part of his political record.
In 2014, Modi led the BJP’s national election campaign as its prime ministerial candidate. The BJP and its allies subsequently formed the government at the Centre.
His first term as Prime Minister began in May 2014. He was re-elected in 2019 and again in 2024, making his current tenure his third consecutive term as Prime Minister.
The 25-year milestone therefore represents continuous service as head of an elected government across both the state and national levels.
Modi Marks the Occasion
Modi also marked the anniversary personally on October 7.
He visited the Shri Vinayaka Temple in New Delhi and offered prayers. In a message shared after the visit, he said he prayed for the happiness, prosperity and good health of people across the country.
He also described the milestone as a result of the trust and support of the people and reiterated his commitment to serving the country.
Later in the day, Modi participated in the Seva Jyoti programme in New Delhi. The event formed part of the wider programmes organised to mark his 25 years as head of government.
Focus on Governance and Development
The political messaging surrounding the anniversary has largely focused on governance, development and national service.
Supporters of Modi have highlighted government initiatives in areas such as digital infrastructure, financial inclusion, welfare delivery, manufacturing, defence and international diplomacy.
The Union Cabinet’s resolution also highlighted several initiatives and developments associated with the government’s record. These included welfare programmes, capital expenditure, technological development, defence production and scientific achievements.
At the same time, the 25-year milestone is also likely to remain a subject of political debate. Opposition parties have their own assessments of the Modi government’s record, and the evaluation of policies and outcomes varies across political groups.
The anniversary therefore represents both a celebration by the BJP and an occasion for wider political discussion about the direction of Indian governance over the past quarter century.
International Reactions
The milestone has also received attention outside India.
Political leaders from different countries have sent congratulatory messages to Modi, reflecting India’s growing diplomatic engagement and the length of his tenure.
The messages have highlighted themes including India’s international partnerships, bilateral relations and Modi’s continued leadership.
The government’s official releases have listed messages from several international leaders as part of the anniversary observances.
The international response also reflects the broader role India has played in global diplomacy during Modi’s tenure, including its engagement with major international groupings and partnerships.
A Long Political Tenure
Completing 25 years as head of government is an unusual political milestone. Modi has spent the entire period in executive office, first as Gujarat Chief Minister and later as Prime Minister.
His tenure has covered major changes in India’s economy, technology, infrastructure, welfare systems and foreign policy. It has also included major political events and national debates over economic reforms, social policy, federal relations and governance.
The BJP has used the anniversary to highlight what it considers the major achievements of this period. The party has described the milestone as an opportunity to look at the country’s development journey and outline its vision for the future.
The celebrations also place emphasis on the government’s longer-term objective of building a developed India by 2047.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 25 years as head of government on October 7, 2026. His journey began as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 and continued with his appointment as Prime Minister in 2014.
The milestone has been marked by congratulations from BJP leaders, Union ministers and political figures abroad. The Union Cabinet also passed a resolution recognising the occasion.
The BJP’s Seva Sankalp Abhiyan has added a nationwide public outreach component to the celebrations, with programmes being organised across states.
While supporters have highlighted Modi’s long tenure, governance record and international engagement, the anniversary also provides an opportunity for broader political debate over the policies and outcomes of the past 25 years.
